King Coal Festival a success despite uncooperative weather

Last updated: October 01. 2013 9:46AM - 975 Views

Rachel Baldwin rbaldwin@civitasmedia.com

Thomas Allen, 91, of Chattaroy, was crowned as the 2013 “Mr. King Coal” during the weekend festival that was deemed a success, despite the rainy weather. Allen is a 35-plus year veteran of the coal mining industry and was nominated for the award by his family and friends. More King Coal photos are on page A10.

Photo

Thomas Allen, 91, of Chattaroy, was crowned as the 2013 “Mr. King Coal” during the weekend festival that was deemed a success, despite the rainy weather. Allen is a 35-plus year veteran of the coal mining industry and was nominated for the award by his family and friends. More King Coal photos are on page A10.

Thomas Allen, 91, of Chattaroy, was crowned as the 2013 “Mr. King Coal” during the weekend festival that was deemed a success, despite the rainy weather. Allen is a 35-plus year veteran of the coal mining industry and was nominated for the award by his family and friends. More King Coal photos are on page A10.

Photo

Thomas Allen, 91, of Chattaroy, was crowned as the 2013 “Mr. King Coal” during the weekend festival that was deemed a success, despite the rainy weather. Allen is a 35-plus year veteran of the coal mining industry and was nominated for the award by his family and friends. More King Coal photos are on page A10.

Thomas Allen, 91, of Chattaroy, was crowned as the 2013 “Mr. King Coal” during the weekend festival that was deemed a success, despite the rainy weather. Allen is a 35-plus year veteran of the coal mining industry and was nominated for the award by his family and friends. More King Coal photos are on page A10.

Photo

Thomas Allen, 91, of Chattaroy, was crowned as the 2013 “Mr. King Coal” during the weekend festival that was deemed a success, despite the rainy weather. Allen is a 35-plus year veteran of the coal mining industry and was nominated for the award by his family and friends. More King Coal photos are on page A10.

Thomas Allen, 91, of Chattaroy, was crowned as the 2013 “Mr. King Coal” during the weekend festival that was deemed a success, despite the rainy weather. Allen is a 35-plus year veteran of the coal mining industry and was nominated for the award by his family and friends. More King Coal photos are on page A10.

Photo

Thomas Allen, 91, of Chattaroy, was crowned as the 2013 “Mr. King Coal” during the weekend festival that was deemed a success, despite the rainy weather. Allen is a 35-plus year veteran of the coal mining industry and was nominated for the award by his family and friends. More King Coal photos are on page A10.

WILLIAMSON — When you plan an outside event, it’s the luck of the draw as to what the weather will turn out to be. On Saturday, those who attended the 2013 41st annual King Coal Festival donned their rain coats and umbrellas and refused to let the lack of sunshine dampen their spirits.

The Action in Mingo group of loyal organizers, under the direction of President Jada Hunter, worked hard to assure that all the festival events still took place, with the exception of the Car and Motorcycle show that was postponed due to the rain. A new date will be released to the public as soon as the event sponsors, Dave and Connie Rockel, provide that information.

Although a few vendors decided to not set up for the day-long event, 2nd Avenue was still a hustling and bustling place, with a variety of crafts and food items being offered. Musical entertainment was provided throughout the afternoon and evening, and thankfully, the skies did clear and the rain went away in time for the King Coal parade to begin.

Thomas Allen, a Chattaroy resident, was crowned as the 2013 Mr. King Coal, and was accompanied to the festival by a number of proud family members who had nominated the 35 year coal mining veteran for the award. Norma White was presented the Humanitarian Award and Janette O’Brien, of the Jacob’s Well Ministries, received the honor of winning the Community Service award.

Other events that were held throughout the week include the Coal Dust run, Dog and Cat Show, the Baby Crawling Contest, Miss King Coal Beauty Pageant, the Frank O’Brien 5K run, a Baby Pageant, a Block Party and a Gospel Music/Pinto Bean Dinner.

Parade Grand Marshal’s for this year’s festivities were the faithful workers and founders of the Christian Help and A.B.L.E. Families charity organizations based in Kermit, who have provided valuable services for the last 19 years to the needy who call the Tug Valley area home.

Hunter, along with other members of the AIM group, wishes to thank everyone who assisted with the festival in any manner, and also to those who braved the storms and came out to participate in this year’s event that has become a wonderful tradition enjoyed by all.

Contribute

Comments

All user comments are subject to our Terms of Service. Users may flag inappropriate comments.